New provider for Lincolnshire respite service for disabled adults

An overhaul of Lincolnshire’s respite services could benefit an additional 100 adults with learning disabilities, a charity has said.

National charity Making Space has been awarded a three year contract with Lincolnshire County Council to manage its two respite facilities in Lincoln and Spalding.

The charity hopes more people will be able to access the service due to new, lower eligibility criteria introduced by the council.

Making Space plans to improve the services on offer by including support with family holidays, upgrades to the booking system, and new community leisure and hobby groups.

The two care facilities are Swallow Lodge, on the outskirts of Lincoln city centre, and Cedar House in Spalding.

Both centres provide short term residential respite care for adults with complex needs who are living with parents or carers.

Cedar House was previously managed by Heritage Care and Swallow Lodge was owned by the county council.

Vicky Skeldon, Making Space’s area manager for Lincolnshire, said: “We feel that the facilities at Swallow Lodge have been underused and we are in the process of an extensive marketing campaign targeted at Lincolnshire-wide carers of adults with complex disabilities.

“Respite services provide a lifeline for carers and Making Space will ensure that Swallow Lodge’s care offer is clearly communicated to the right people.”

The facility will be available to people living in Lincolnshire who are eligible for social care services or continuing health care.

Those eligible for social care services will use some of the funds allocated to them to pay for this service.

For more information, email cedarhousereferrals@makingspace.co.uk or swallowlodgereferrals@makingspace.co.uk.